Package sorter



May 28, 1963 R. G. BROWN ETAL PACKAGE SORTER 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 FiledApril 26, 1961 M O 3 J ,M m H BY ,1 6 a %%M K fiogwm ATTORNEYS May 28,1963 R. 6. BROWN ETAL PACKAGE SORTER 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed April 26,1961 INVENTOR 5 Ha raid diosenbrry W ATTORNEYS May 28, 1963 R. G. BROWNETAL 3,091,324

PACKAGE SORTER Filed April 26, 1961 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Fabertflfirowm BY gyg ATTORNEYS This invention relates to improvements in code devices andsorting equipment controlled thereby.

The J. Rabinow et al. US Patent No. 2,901,089 discloses a mechanicalcode system having a stationary code means composed of code bars, and amovable code assembly which cooperates therewith. The movable codeassembly has a shaft provided with a number of wheels which ride on thecode bars. When the particular setting of the wheels on the shaftmatches the arrangement of code bars, the codes coincide allowing thewheels and their shaft to lower a slight amount. The amount of loweringis suificient to cause an output to be generated, for instance, theopening of a door as shown in the Rabinow patent.

The code wheels in the Rabinow patent are adjustable longitudinally oftheir supporting shaft. Two positions are normally employed, theserepresentating binary 1 and binary positions. Our invention uses codeelements, for instance, wheels, and they are adjustable to selectedpositions, for instance, such positions as to represent binary l andbinary 0. However, instead of adjustably sliding the wheels on a singleshaft, we have provided independent spindles for each wheel. Thesespindles are rotatable 180 to displace the code wheels from one side ofthe spindle axis to the other, thereby establishing the binary l andbinary 0 positions.

An advantage of our arrangement is that of simplification of some of theequipment used for setting and resetting the code wheels. For example,we require only two stationary pins which cooperate with a T-shaped dogon each spindle to reset a code wheel to a predetermined startingposition. Moreover, a pair of pins capable of being projected into thepath of travel of the spindle-supported dogs are all that are requiredto set the wheel to a coded position. The wheel setting and resettingsim plification represents a distinct improvement over correspondingequipment that is required for setting and resetting a group of wheelswhich are axially adjustable on a single shaft.

Our movable code device may be used to traverse horizontal code bars asshown in the I. Rabinow et al. patent. In addition, we have found itpractical to assign an additional function to our movable code device.It may be held captive in the code bars by constructing the code bars astracks in which the code wheels are held captive until the codes of thewheels and tracks (established by openings in the tracks) match. Thus,our movable code device may be directly connected With the articlesupport of a sorter, and the movable code device made to separate fromthe stationary code means when the codes match. A package sorter withthe movable code device secured to the sorting pocket, table, etc., isan example of one type of sorting equipment which may advantageously usea code system as a part of the sorting machine.

Accordingly, another object of the invention is to provide a sorterwhich is particularly useful in sorting packages of different size andshape, and which relies on a package-escort code device normallyconstrained by a stationary code device, and separable from thestationary code device upon coincidence of the codes. Upon separation ofthe movable code device from the stationary code device, the package (orthe like) carried by the article support may be discharged from theconveyor sys- 3&91324 Patented May 28, 1963.

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tem in many ways, one being to have the package-support tilt (with themovable code device tilting therewith) to unload the package.

Another object of the invention is to provide a code system which may beused as a remote memory to control one or more machines, e.g. sorters,or which may be used as an integral part of the machine which itcontrols.

Other objects and features of importance will be apparent in followingthe description of the illustrated embodiment and features of ourinvention.

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of a movable code deviceillustrating a feature of the invention.

FIGURE 2 is a diagrammatic view showing one of the code elements aboutto be adjusted to a predetermined position by a Wheel resetter.

FIGURE 2a is a diagrammatic perspective view similar to FIGURE 2 butshowing the code element in the process of being adjusted.

FIGURE 2b is a diagrammatic perspective View showing the adjustment ofthe code element completed.

FIGURE 3 is a sectional view of the device in FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary, diagrammatic side elevational view of asorter using the code device of FIG- URE 1.

FIGURE 5 is a vertical sectional view of a sorting machine like that ofFIGURE 4.

FIGURE 6 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 6-6 of FIGURE 4and showing one way of retaining the movable code device engaged withthe stationary code device.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged sectional view taken on the line 7-7 of FIGURE 4and showing the code element setter, this view also including afragmentary, schematic wiring diagram showing the means for operatingselected code element setters.

FIGURE 8 is a fragmentary elevational view showing another use of ourmovable coded device.

FIGURE 9 is a fragmentary side elevational view of the code assembly inFIGURE 8.

FIGURE 10 is a diagrammatic view showing our memory device used remotelyto control one or more machines.

FIGURES 1 and 3 show movable code device 10 which cooperates with astationary code device, for instance the tracks shown in FIGURES 4 and6, the bars shown in FIGURES 8 and 9 or other equivalent devices. Codedevice 10 is constructed as an elongate member 11 supporting anypractical number of spindles, for instance spindles 12, 14, 16 and 18.Member 11 is preferably hollow, e.g. of box-beam construction, althoughthis is not a necessary configuration. Spindles 1218 have theirlongitudinal axes perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of member 11,and they are capable of being rotationally adjusted to selectedpositions.

' Each spindle, for instance, spindles 12, 14, 16 and 18 (FIGURES 2-2b)'have code elements 20, 22, 24 and 26 respectively at one end. It ispreferred that the code elements be wheels. A typical code element 20 ismounted by an offset device, for instance, a lateral shaft 28 secured tospindle 12 so that the plane of the wheel is laterally spaced from theaxis of the spindle. Spindle 12 extends through a pair of alignedopenings in opposing walls of member 11, and there are means, forinstance, thrust collars 3d secured to spindle 30 for preventing thespindle from separating from member 11 but allowing it to rotate.

A detent 32 on each spindle requires that the spindles be turned foreach step of rotational operation. The illustrated detent 32 is given byway of example only, it being understood that any conventional detentmay be substituted for illusrated detent. Detent 32 has resilient strips33 and 34 and flexible metal bearing plates 35 and 36 in the cavity ofmember 11, which are common to all of the spindles. Detent cams 38 aresecured to the individual spindles. The operation of the illustrateddetent is as follows: As the typical spindle 12 turns about itslongitudinal axis, the cam 38 bears against strips 35 and 36 andcompresses the strips 33 and 34. As the spindle continues to be rotatedthe diagonal dimension of the cam is passed, and the compressive-forceenergy stored in the strips 33 and 34, snaps the cam to its nextposition.

As previously discussed, one of the features of the movable code deviceis the simplicity of the means required to reset all of the code devicesto a predetermined initial position. For the purposes of explanationassume that this position is that of spindle 14 and code element 22(FIGURE 1). Further assume that the movable code device approaches aresetting station in a machine with the code element turned 180, asshown in FIGURE 2. It is assumed, for the purpose of explanation, thatsome code Wheels, e.g. 20 and 24 are in the set position, and code wheel22 is in the reset position. The resetting mechanism is composed of twospaced pins 42 and 44 (or other abutments) which cooperate with aT-shaped dog 46 secured to the outer end of spindle 12 (FIGURE 2). Pins42 and 44 are located in the path of travel on one leg, e.g. leg 47, ofthe dog. As the spindle moves in the direction of the arrow, leg 47strikes pin 42 causing the spindle 12 to be turned 90 (as shown inFIGURE 2a. Then leg 48 will become located between pins 42 and 44.Continued movement of the spindle 12 in the direction of the arrow (byphysical displacement of the entire code device 10) will cause leg 48 tostrike pin 44 and turn the spindle 12 about its axis another 90. Thus,spindle 12 will become adjusted to a position or orientation similar tothat of spindle 14 (FIGURE 1). If the code wheel is already in the resetposition when it approaches pins 42 and 44, the dog 46 will simplyby-pass the pins (FIGURE 2b).

It is customary in most code systems to reset all code elements to aknown position prior to adjusting the code elements to a predeterminedcode. The setting of the code elements is achieved practically as simplyas the resetting thereof. FIGURE 7 shows one of numerous ways to set acode for the movable code device 10. There are two spaced pins 52 and 54attached to a rocker 56. The rocker is mounted pivotally on a support 58and is operated by a solenoid 60. Consequently, the pins 52 and 54 maybe retracted from the path of travel of one of the dogs 46 or project itinto the path of travel thereof depending on Whether or not a given codeelement is to be adjusted to the set position (FIGURE 212) from thereset position (FIGURE 2). We have shown a simple circuit 62 composed ofa source 63 of potential, and individual switches 64, 65, etc., toenergize selected solenoids 60, only one of which is shown. Of course,there will be a separate set of pins 52, 54, rocker 56 and solenoid 60for each code wheel and spindle.

The preceding description relates to the movable code device 10, thewheel setting mechanism (FIGURE 7) and the wheel resetter (FIGURE 2).These may be used with a variety of stationary code devices and in manymachines. One of the features of the movable code device 10 is that itmay become physically separated from the stationary code device, forinstance to unload an article in an article sorter conveyor system. Onthe other hand, the movable code device (FIGURES 8 and 9) may follow afixed or stationary code device in a manner similar to that described inthe I. Rabinow et al. patent.

We have illustrated an article sorting machine 66 employing movable codedevice 10 on what we believe to be a unique stationary code device 68(FIGURES 4 and The sorter 66 is well-suited for packages and otherarticles A of varying size and shape. It is composed of a main frame 70whose lower part 71 (FIGURE 5) indirectly supports a conveyor chain 72,or it may rest on a surface of the frame. The chain is driven by one ormore drive sprockets 73 having a power input device 74 connectedthereto. A number of carriages 76 are attached to the conveyor chain'72. Each carriage has a base physically secured to the chain 72 and aspindle 78 hingedly supporting a tray 80 for articles A. Movable codedevice 10 is fixed for hinged movement with the tray, and its normaloperating position is at a slight angle to a vertical plane (FIGURE 5).

Stationary code device 68 consists of a plurality of parallel tracks,for instance tracks 81, 82 and 83 having groups of code openings 87, 88,89 in their front walls. Each track is hollow and has a slot 84 in itsfront face. The spindles extend through the slots 84, and the codewheels, e.g. wheel 20 in FIGURE 6, ride on the inner surface of thefront walls of the tracks. This arrangement of wheels in the tracksholds the code device 10 connected to the code device 68. When the codesmatch Le. a given setting of spindles and wheels and openings 87, 88, 89(FIGURE 4) in the front walls of the tracks coincide, the code device 10is free to separate from code device 68 as shown in dotted lines inFIGURE 5. Since the tray 80 tilts with the code device 10, the article Awill slide therefrom.

After separation of the code device '10 from code device 68, the trayand device 10 remain tilted (as shown in FIGURE 5) until a re-entrancestation is approached. Such a station is shown at the left of FIGURE 4and consists of entrances 90, 91 and 92 in the tracks having taperedthroats to more easily receive the shanks of the spindles into thetrackage of the code device 68. The lifting of the code device from thedotted line position of FIGURE 5 to the full line position of the samefigure may be achieved in any way, and we have chosen to show astationary cam 93 which causes the code device 10 to swing up to enterthe wheels into the track system.

Shortly after the re-entry of the code device 10, the code wheels arereset to a known condition by engaging the pairs of pins 42, 44 as shownin FIGURE 2. The pins are secured to a hanger 75 (FIGURE 4) on frame 70adjacent to the code device 68 and in the path of travel of the legs ofthe dogs 46. As the code device 10 progresses further along code device68, the selected spindles and their code elements are adjusted (FIGURE7) to set up a given code. The means for achieving this (FIGURE 7) havebeen described, and the location is shown in FIGURE 4. It is pointed outthat the code setting circuit 62 may be operated by any suitable device,e.g. manually, by a memory, a computer, etc.

FIGURES 8 and 9 show that our movable code device 10 may be used inconnection with various types of stationary code devices. Thus,stationary code device 6811 is made of bars similar to the correspondingstationary bars disclosed in the J. Rabinow et al. patent. Movable codedevice 10a is attached to a conveyor (not shown) or the like, and ismoved therewith. In this application of our code device, the matching ofthe codes will enable code device 10a to drop a short distance. Just asin the J. Rabinow et al. patent, this movement is, or provides, amechanical output signal signifying coincidence of the codes. FIGURE 9shows that for a horizontally moving code device 10a the spindle andwheel setting pins 52a and 54a will be positioned for movement in avertical plane and the same holds true for the resetting pins (notshown).

FIGURE 10 shows a typical use of our invention as a remote memory deviceto control one or more machines 92. For remote use we have a separateframe 94 supporting an endless conveyor 96 with which arms such as 18 or10a are connected. These operate in conjunction with stationary codemeans (not shown) similar to 68 or 68a connected with frame 94. Themovement of conveyor 96 is synchronized with machine 92, e.g. by amechanical drive 98 connecting the conveyor shaft 96a with a suitablerotating part of machine 92.

We have previously indicated that the control signals generated by thematching of the movable and stationary code means, may be mechanical asshown in the Rabinow et al. patent, or electrical. For the electricalalternative, it is only necessary to have the code-match motion of themovable code means operate circuit controlling switches (not shownherein) as in the Rabinow Patent No. 3,070,213. The circuits areschematically represented as line 100 operatively connecting remotememory device 90 with machine 92 and line 102 available for controllingother machines (not shown).

We have illustrated and described various combinations andsub-combinations of our invention. All changes, modifications andalterations which fall Within the scope of the following claims may beresorted to.

We claim:

1. A code device for an article conveyor system, said device comprisinga first code means, a second code means, said second code meansincluding a member, a plurality of code elements contacting said firstcode means, means rotatably connecting said code elements to said memberfor adjustment to selected code positions, said connecting means for oneof said code elements including a spindle, and means mounting said oneelement to one side of said spindle so that said element assumesdifferent positions when said spindle is rotated to different positions.

2-. The code device of claim 1 wherein said code elements are wheels.

3. The code device of claim 2 wherein said first code means includeelongate members engaged by said wheels and having openings throughwhich the wheels are adapted to move when the code setting of the wheelsmatches the pattern of openings.

4. The device of claim 3 and detent means to establish definitepositions for said spindle and consequently its wheel when said spindleis adjusted.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein said first code means include tracksset at an angle to a vertical reference plane, said elements beinglongitudinally movable with respect to said tracks and held captivetherein, and said tracks having code openings to enable said elements toescape from said tracks when the coded positions of said elernents matchsaid openings.

6. A movable code device adapted to cooperate with another code device,said movable code device including a member, a plurality of spindlesrotatively adjustably secured to said member, offset code elementssecured to said spindles, said code elements being offset from the axesof said spindles, and means to rotationally adjust selected spindles tocorrespondingly adjust the position of selected code elements, therebyestablishing a code.

7. A code device comprising a first code means including a plurality ofstationary rails provided with code openings, a member, means to movesaid member longitudinally of said rails, a plurality of wheels, meanspivotally connecting said wheels to said member for adjustment aboutaxes substantially normal to said member so that said wheels areadjustable to selected code positions, means to establish saidpositions, and said member being movable in a direction transversely ofsaid rails when said code wheels and the openings of said first codemeans match.

8. An article conveyor system including the code device of claim 7 andan article support movable with said member in both of said directions.

9. In a code device having a first code means, a second code meansmovable relative to said first means to seek a match f r sa d secondcode means, said second code means including a movable member, aplurality of spindles rotatively connected with said member. codeelements contacting said first code means during at least a portion ofthe movement of said member, said code elements connected to saidspindles to one side of the spindle axes, so that when said spindles arerotated the code elements are displaced from one side of the spindleaxes to the other.

10. The code device of claim 9 and means connected to each spindle forsetting said code elements to a predetermined position by rotation ofonly those spindles required to be rotated to set said elements to saidposition.

11. In a code device for a conveyor system, a member, and means mountingsaid member for movement in a constrained path, at least one spindle,means rotatively connecting said spindle to said member for rotationaladjustment to stepped positions about an axis of rotation, detent meansengaging said spindle to releasably retain said spindle in eachrotational stepped position, a code element, means connecting said codeelement to said spindle and retaining said code element in a plane whichis substantially parallel to and laterally spaced from said axis so thatrotational adjustments of said spindle place said code element indifferent code positions always to the side of said spindle andcorresponding to the stepped positions of said spindle, and a code meansinterrogated by said code element of said spindle by contact with thesame as said member is moved in said constrained path.

12. The code device of claim 11 and means to rotate said spindle to saidstepped positions, the last-mentioned means including a dog attached tosaid spindle and having a plurality of legs adapted to rotate saidspindle when engaging abutments in the path of movement thereof as saidmember is moved in its constrained path.

13. In a conveyor system, a code device having a member, means to movesaid member in a constrained path, a fixed code means having codesurfaces adjacent to said member during at least a portion of themovement of said member, a plurality of code elements arranged tointerrogate said fixed code means by contacting said code surfaces, aspindle for each code element, means mounting said spindles on saidmember for rotational adjustment, means connecting a said code elementto each spindle to the side of each spindle so that the code element isoffset from the axis of rotational adjustment of said spindle, codesetting means including a dog attached to each spindle, abutment meansadjacent to said member and movable into the path of travel of said dogas said member is moved in said constrained path thereby setting thecode of one code element by the rotation of its spindle due to theengagement and movement of said dog, said setting of said code resultingfrom the transposition of said element to a new offset position with therotation of its spindle.

14. The subject matter of claim 13 wherein said dog is provided with aplurality of legs which project outwardly of the aXis of rotation of thespindle to which it is attached, and code resetting means includingabutment means in the path of travel of said leg-s to reset said spindleand its code element to a predetermined position as said member movespast said code resetting means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS3,901,089 Rabinow et al. Aug. 25, 1959 2,967,603 Kloss Jan. 10, 19612,980,235 Mittag et a1. Apr. 18, 1961 FOREIGN PATENTS 738,074 GreatBritain Oct. 5, 1955 125,186 Russia Apr. 13, 1959

11. IN A CODE DEVICE FOR A CONVEYOR SYSTEM, A MEMBER, AND MEANS MOUNTINGSAID MEMBER FOR MOVEMENT IN A CONSTRAINED PATH, AT LEAST ONE SPINDLE,MEANS ROTATIVELY CONNECTING SAID SPINDLE TO SAID MEMBER FOR ROTATIONALADJUSTMENT TO STEPPED POSITIONS ABOUT AN AXIS OF ROTATION, DETENT MEANSENGAGING SAID SPINDLE TO RELEASABLE RETAIN SAID SPINDLE IN EACHROTATIONAL STEPPED POSITION, A CODE ELEMENT, MEANS CONNECTING SAID CODEELEMENT TO SAID SPINDLE AND RETAINING SAID CODE ELEMENT IN A PLANE WHICHIS SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO AND LATERALLY SPACED FROM SAID AXIS SO THATROTATIONAL ADJUSTMENTS OF SAID SPINDLE PLACE SAID CODE ELEMENT INDIFFERENT CODE POSITIONS ALWAYS TO THE SIDE OF SAID SPINDLE ANDCORRESPONDING TO THE STEPPED POSITIONS OF SAID SPINDLE, AND A CODE MEANSINTERROGATED BY SAID CODE ELEMENT OF SAID SPINDLE BY CONTACT WITH THESAME AS SAID MEMBER IS MOVED IN SAID CONSTRAINED PATH.